Modernizing Agriculture in Afghanistan

Agriculture is the dominant sector in the Afghan economy, supporting about 80% of the country's approximately 14 million people. In order to increase agricultural productivity by some $12 million annually, the Agricultural Development Bank of Afghanistan (AGBANK), the main institutional source of agricultural credit in the country, has embarked on a modernization programme which will provide medium and long-team loans to farmers for the purchase of farm equipment, especially tractors and pumpsets. The project will also expend the services to farmers offered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI) as well as make use of expert assistance in the design and construction of small irrigation works. In all these activities, fellowships will be available for the training of AGBANK and MAI staff. This effort is being assisted financially by the International Development Association (IDA), an affiliate of the WorldBank.
Farmer Abdul Kayum (third from right) examines the new tractor he has ordered from the local AGBANK agency. At left is Lewis E. Clark, Agricultural Credit Advisor with the United States Agency for International Development, which is also assisting the project. Looking on are Hasamuddin Gardizi, MAI agricultural extension agent for Kandahar Province (2nd from right), and Mohammed Alam Dawezai, credit manager for the local AGBANK agency. [Exact date unknown]